In my post I did not advocate capital punishment (although sometimes after hearing what people have done makes me want them executed). My post was to see what views others held and the answer was quite clear. All the people who replied to my post are of the same opinion; capital punishment is not the answer.
So the death penalty is out, and so is public flogging we are far to civilised to do that sort of thing. Community service seems to be the only option, for minor offences community service over number of weekends would probably suffice, for more serious offences then a custodial sentence along with community service would be acceptable.
As for the work they do, yes it has to be productive; cleaning our parks for instance would be great idea, the local council does not have the resources to clean these areas leave it to the convicted criminal, he gets punished and the public gets a service.
Only one problem it’s been tired and doesn’t seem to have any effect, so what do we try next, the prisons are full, capital punishment is a non starter, and community service does not work. It looks like a no win situation.
Any ideas?
SeasideMan
Pro 
There are 2 angles. 1 is punishing the criminal, the other is finding out why it happens and changing society to prevent it.
For the first one, I think prisons should be kept more for serious crimes such as the ones you are talking about, and should be much more harsh and unpleasant places. Places you really don't want to go to.
For the 2nd one, raising more people out of poverty and providing entertainment for kids would probably help, but no doubt there is much more that could be done.
There is a pervasive lack of care for others spreading through the country and it is most unpalatable. But why is it happening?
Tom.